Samsung is eyeing an April release date for its upcoming Galaxy S 5, and speaking of eye, it's currently testing iris recognition technology that could be featured in the new handset.

According to a new report from Bloomberg, Samsung confirmed a March or April release date for its successor to the popular Galaxy S4, and the new device is expected to have a new design and features to compete with Apple's iPhone 5c and 5c smartphones.

Samsung plans to change up the design of the Galaxy S5, mainly because consumers complained that the S4 resembled its predecessor -- the Galaxy S3 -- too closely. Samsung fans want a change, and the company plans to give them that with the new S5. No details were given as to what kind of changes, but there were hints of a possible screen size adjustment.

Aside from cosmetic changes, Samsung is looking to bulk up the new S5 with all-new features. One that may be included in the new handset is eye-scanning technology, which would be on par with Apple's new fingerprint scanner in the iPhone 5C and 5S. However, Samsung Executive Vice President of Mobile Lee Young Hee said that this new tech might not be ready in time for the S5.

“Many people are fanatical about iris recognition technology,” said Lee. “We are studying the possibility but can’t really say whether we will have it or not on the S5.”

In addition, Samsung will be coupling its new S5 with an updated wearable that is meant to work alongside the handset.

[SOURCE: dialaphone.co.uk]

“We’ve been announcing our first flagship model in the first half of each year, around March and April, and we are still targeting for release around that time,” said Lee. “When we release our S5 device, you can also expect a Gear successor with more advanced functions, and the bulky design will also be improved.”

Aside from that, Apple is expected to start selling phones with larger screens this year, which is one feature typically dominated by Samsung's Android-powered phones. With Apple entering the market and offering similar features, it poses a real problem for Samsung's mobile business.

Thomson Reuters' Starmine SmartEstimate added that Samsung's fourth quarter business was likely hit by Apple's strong iPhone sales, and that this is expected to continue through the end of the first quarter of this year.

Samsung just posted its Q4 2013 earnings, which saw the company's first profit decline in nine quarters. Operating profit was 8.3 trillion won ($7.8 billion USD) in the three months ended December 2013, which was a decrease from 9 trillion won a year earlier.

I think the point that most people here are making is that Metal V plastic is a preference. There are good plastic build and bad ones. The S4 is certainly a bad one. My old Droid 3 was plastic, and had SD and removable battery and was WAY better than the S4 as far as build quality (so were the DRoid X's).

You know what, you got me so fired up over this I went to T-Mobile today because it was right next to where I ate lunch. And don't get a big head, I was really there to ask questions about their contract buyout offer.

I handled two different S4's and tested them for build quality. First I firmly gripped them at the top and bottom with both hands and attempted to flex the chassis. There was barely any flex, and there was no audible creaking sounds when doing so.

Then I palmed the phone and wrapped my fingers across the screen and squeezed fairly hard. The phone barely gave at all, and again, no cracking or any other sounds. No obvious chassis flex or give. The back cover didn't pop off or deform at all.

I did everything I could without outright trying to break the phone to discover this "build quality" issue and "cheap plastic feel" you keep on about to actually show up.

You accuse me of being "loyal" to Samsung, whatever. I honestly feel I'm being one of the most objective people on this topic. And the last Samsung device I've bought was the Galaxy S2 like over two years ago.

Maybe you need to be more articulate in your judgements. Because for me (and 40+ million others), there's no outstanding quality issue with the Galaxy S4 that I could objectively detect.

And if your problem is the plastic back cover plate, just my god man, spend the five goddamn bucks and buy a different one.

I dont know what to tell ya man... Like I said "different people have different things they look for"

I see the difference, I held an S4 in my hand just this Tuesday I had it for a few hours. It is a matter of opinion, and I see it, many many others see it and Samsung even seems to see it or at least acknowledge it can be improved... I didn't like it and you know I am not an anti-Samsung troll, I had an S3 and would gladly buy another Samsung if they improve what in my opinion is poor build quality and again, IMO the Note 3 has already that improved somewhat.